Private Quilotoa Lagoon and Toachi Canyon Including Local Family Visit

Embark on an extraordinary journey to the heart of Ecuador’s stunning Andes. This private tour takes travelers on an immersive exploration of the breathtaking Quilotoa Lagoon and the magnificent Toachi Canyon. But the real gem lies in the opportunity to connect with a local family, offering a unique glimpse into the vibrant indigenous culture. From vibrant village markets to a traditional highlands lunch, this exclusive experience promises to captivate the senses and leave a lasting impression.

Key Points

• Private tour to Quilotoa Lagoon, a 3-km wide crater lake, with an opportunity to visit indigenous village markets and the Tigua community.
• Inclusion of a traditional highlands lunch during the tour.
• Optional activities like mule rental and kayaking on the lagoon available at additional cost.
• Round-trip private transport from Quito hotels, with an additional charge for hotels outside the urban zone.
• Comprehensive package with 24/7 assistance in multiple languages and mandatory travel/medical insurance requirement for all guests.

Tour Overview and Highlights

The private tour from Quito to Quilotoa Lagoon showcases a water-filled caldera with a 2-mile-wide (3-km) crater.

Travelers will explore indigenous village markets and visit the Tigua community. The tour includes a traditional highlands lunch.

Explore indigenous village markets and visit the Tigua community. Enjoy a traditional highlands lunch as part of the tour.

Guests can opt to rent mules ($10) and kayak on the lagoon ($5).

Round-trip private transport from Quito hotels is provided, with an additional charge for hotels outside the urban zone.

The tour offers 24/7 assistance in Dutch, English, and Spanish, and confirmation is received at booking.

Moderate fitness is required, and travel/medical insurance is mandatory.

Transportation and Logistics

Round-trip private transport from hotels in Quito’s urban zone is provided, with a professional driver.

Departure time is recommended to start at 8:00 am to ensure guests don’t miss any activities.

There’s an additional charge of $40 for hotels outside Quito’s urban zone, such as in the Valleys, Tababela, or the airport vicinity.

The tour operator reserves the right to modify the itinerary due to weather, availability, or other unforeseen circumstances.

Guests must provide their passport details, date of birth, nationality, food restrictions, and medical conditions when making a reservation.

Tour Inclusions and Assistance

This private tour includes meals as described in the itinerary, with lunch provided.

The tour also offers 24/7 assistance in Dutch, English, and Spanish. Guests will receive confirmation at booking, as this is a private tour with no other participants.

The operator provides a professional driver and covers round-trip private transport from hotels in Quito’s urban zone. An additional charge of $40 applies for hotels outside the urban area, such as the Valleys, Tababela, or the airport vicinity.

This comprehensive package ensures a seamless and well-supported experience for travelers.

Health and Safety Information

Not wheelchair accessible, this tour is also not recommended for travelers with back or heart problems.

Guests must have a moderate level of physical fitness to fully participate. Mandatory travel and medical insurance is required, as well as informing the operator of any known medical conditions prior to the tour.

To avoid illness, it’s crucial to follow food safety precautions during the included lunch featuring traditional highland cuisine.

The tour operator reserves the right to modify the itinerary due to weather, availability, or other unforeseen circumstances that may impact the health and safety of participants.

Reservation and Cancellation Policy

This tour has a non-refundable policy, as the operator doesn’t provide refunds for cancellations.

To complete the reservation, guests must provide the following information:

1. Passport numbers, date of birth, and nationality

2. Any food restrictions or medical conditions

3. Travel and medical insurance details

The tour operator reserves the right to modify the itinerary due to weather, availability, or other unforeseen circumstances.

Customers should be prepared for potential changes to the planned activities and be flexible during the tour.

Visiting the Indigenous Village Markets

Visitors to the Quilotoa Lagoon tour have the opportunity to explore vibrant indigenous village markets. These markets showcase the rich cultural heritage of the local communities.

Guests can wander through stalls filled with handcrafted textiles, pottery, and traditional garments. The lively atmosphere is enhanced by the sounds of local music and the aromas of freshly prepared foods.

Visitors can interact with the vendors, learn about their artisanal techniques, and even purchase unique souvenirs to take home. This immersive experience provides a glimpse into the daily lives and traditions of the indigenous people of the Ecuadorian highlands.

Exploring the Quilotoa Lagoon and Toachi Canyon

As the highlight of the tour, visitors can enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the Quilotoa Lagoon. The lagoon, a vibrant green-blue water-filled caldera, offers a unique perspective of the Andes.

Visitors can enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the Quilotoa Lagoon, a vibrant green-blue water-filled caldera in the Andes.

Explorers can:

1. Rent mules ($10) to trek around the 2-mile-wide (3-km) crater.

2. Set out on a kayak trip ($5) to paddle across the serene waters.

3. Witness the dramatic geological formations of the adjacent Toachi Canyon.

Afterwards, the tour includes a visit to the nearby Tigua community, where guests can experience the rich cultural heritage of the indigenous people.

The Sum Up

This exclusive tour offers a unique opportunity to take in the vibrant culture of the Tigua community. Visitors can explore the breathtaking Quilotoa Lagoon, Toachi Canyon, and local markets, while enjoying personalized service and round-trip transportation. Optional activities like mule rentals and kayaking provide an enhanced adventure. The tour provides a chance to connect with the indigenous way of life and create lasting memories.